It’s a gig I couldn’t possibly pass and say no to. When Carlo Morris Galang of Prime Events Production Philippines (PEPPS) invited me to be a part of the judging panel of the 9th edition of the Misters of Filipinas competition, I realized this is going to be my chance to take a closer look at how male pageants now operate in the country. For the longest time, male pageantry has been seen negatively as being a market for people looking for a steady supply of “fresh meat.”  On the other hand, it is also regarded as the go-to place for young opportunists hoping to end up with some generous benefactor/s who will support and finance them. Impressions of male pageant competitions were really that bad, unlike the high regard given to their female counterparts. Through the efforts, though, of PEPPS over the years, the stigma and discrimination cast on male pageants have slowly been diminishing.  After producing winners who have actually made the country proud in the global arena, the competition has been able to elevate the respectability of male pageants in the country.  This is the chance for me to actually prove things have really become better for the Philippine male pageant industry.

The afternoon’s final callback presentation was held at the posh Winford Resorts and Casino in Manila. The venue, check.  It surely wasn’t held in an “el cheapo,” sleazy venue that can be thought of as a potential exploitation den.  Holding the event in a nice, appropriate venue is, indeed, a good choice. Contestants, check. This year’s final callback highlighted the personalities and credentials of 33 misters from all over the country who came to the competition armed and ready to impress with, more than just their looks, their interesting backgrounds, and solid achievements. Among those I spotted to be clear standouts that afternoon were:

ELJOHN TAGUBA (Cagayan de Oro).  24-year-old Ej said he joined the competition “to mold me into a more confident person through this national pageant. Kasi it’s my first national pageant, and I’m really grateful for this opportunity.” The young pageant veteran has already won in the Mr. ABS-CBN Northern Mindanao competition before having the courage to go for a national crown.  He is a third-year education student majoring in English.

MICHAEL ANGELO TOLEDO (Cebu City).  This national pageant neophyte is 22 years old and recognizes the big shoes he’s got to fill in as far as pageant expectations on a Cebuano contestant are concerned.  He said: “I have a sense of responsibility to follow through and follow up the wins of my fellow Cebuanos and Cebuanas in the pageants where they joined.  Right now, Cebu is the powerhouse of pageantry, and I think I have a sense of responsibility to follow in their footsteps.”  He is now in the third year of his pursuit of a Marketing degree at the University of San Carlos.

JAMES REGIE VIDAL (Ormoc City).  Mister Ormoc City is 20 years old and is a basketball varsity player at the University of Cebu (Lapulapu, Mandaue).  He is a student of tourism management.  He decided to join this year’s competition to have a chance to advocate for fitness and sports, which are really close to his heart: “I was obese.  Other people teased me, bullied me, and called me a lot of names like tambok, tabachoy. I took all of that as motivation so I can be a better version of myself.” 

GERALD FULLANTE (Camarines Sur).  A familiar face in Philippine male pageantry, Gerald has already had several attempts to bag a national crown but has not yet been successful to do so until now.  The 28-year-old Bicolano said: “Gusto ko po talagang manalo at i-represent yung country natin sa ibang bansa at gusto ko rin pong ma-inspire yung mga kabataan natin na mainspire na hanga’t kaya nyo pa, hangga’t may pangarap kayo, laban lang.”  Fullante is a fitness coach and a professional model. 

MARK JOSEPH CRUZ (Paranaque City).  This year’s representative from Paranaque is 24 years old and differentiates himself from the rest of the pack by sporting a fierce look while presenting himself on stage: “Actually, pansinin po ninyo, ‘pag ngumingiti ako, nanginginig po ako parati.  So, way ko na lang siguro para mai-present ko yung sarili ko is dinadaan ko na lang sa fierce at sa emotions ko, habang naglalakad po ako.”  He is one mister who admits to not being coy about going sexy just in case the right offers come along.  He said:  “Kung may mga endorsements po ia-accept ko po kasi po gumagawa na rin naman ako ng mga sexy shoots like undies.  Basta yung sexy okay lang din po sa akin.”   

The final callback ended with the judges rewarding 20 of the dream seekers with sure spots to be in the pageant finals.  An additional three were called wildcards, who will have to undergo another round of evaluation from the screening committee.  All in all, the MOF organization wishes to have 40 candidates on its final night, this Oct. 16, which will be staged at the Newport World Resorts’ Newport Performing Arts Theater (NPAT) in Pasay — another huge check mark for venue selection.  NPAT is recognized as one of the Asia Pacific region’s best theater venues and is home to world-class theater productions and concerts.

PEPPS President Galang, in his speech, emphasized that this year’s search is a further elevation of previous editions as it is eyed to be “more than just your usual pageant but a talent search as well.” The organization is seeking to produce winners who will really be the best representation of Filipinos in international male pageants.